Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure comprises: a body that provides an insertion space in which a stick is accommodated; a heater for heating the stick; a stick detection sensor adjacent to the insertion space; a puff sensor for detecting suction; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater; and a control unit for determining whether the stick is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, wherein the control unit can determine, on the basis of a signal detected by the stick detection sensor, whether the stick is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, and cancel the insertion determination or the removal determination on the basis of a signal detected by the puff sensor and / or a signal detected by the temperature sensor.

Description

Aerosol generator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

[0002] An aerosol generator is designed to extract a specific component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain various components. The components contained in the medium may include various flavoring substances. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal ingredients, and / or coffee ingredients. Recently, extensive research has been conducted on such aerosol generators.

[0003] Aerosol generators use multiple sensors to detect stick insertion or removal, puffs, and other events. Among these, capacitance sensors are widely used as stick detection sensors to detect stick insertion or removal.

[0004] Conventional aerosol generating devices have a problem in that the stick detection sensor may falsely detect that the stick has been inserted or removed, even when the stick has not been inserted or removed, due to other factors such as the external environment or the user. For example, the stick detection sensor may falsely detect when liquid droplets accumulated within the space where the stick is inserted move within the space, when a puff is generated by the user, or when the user turns the inserted stick.

[0005] Even though the stick is not inserted, if the stick detection sensor falsely detects, the device may unnecessarily operate the heater based on the detection result of the stick detection sensor. Unnecessary operation of the heater may cause the heater or the device to overheat and may cause the heater or the device to malfunction. In addition, even though the stick is not removed, if the stick detection sensor falsely detects, the device may unnecessarily stop the operation of the heater based on the detection result of the stick detection sensor. There is a problem that the heating of the stick is stopped due to the unnecessary stop of the heater operation, making it impossible for the user to inhale the aerosol.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0007] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device that determines whether a stick detection sensor has detected a false detection based on a signal detected by a sensor other than the stick detection sensor.

[0008] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device that cancels a decision based on a detection result of a stick detection sensor based on a user's puff detected by a puff sensor.

[0009] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device that cancels a decision based on a detection result of a stick detection sensor based on a temperature change of a heater detected by a temperature sensor.

[0010] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device that controls power supplied to a heater based on whether a stick detection sensor detects a false positive.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a body providing an insertion space in which a stick is accommodated; a heater for heating the stick; a stick detection sensor disposed adjacent to the insertion space; a puff sensor for detecting inhalation; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the heater; and a control unit for determining whether the stick is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, wherein the control unit determines whether the stick is inserted into or removed from the insertion space based on a signal detected by the stick detection sensor, and cancels the insertion decision or the removal decision based on at least one of a signal detected by the puff sensor and a signal detected by the temperature sensor.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately detect insertion and removal events of a stick by determining whether a stick detection sensor malfunctions based on a signal detected by a sensor other than the stick detection sensor.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a decision based on a detection result of a stick detection sensor can be canceled based on a user's puff detected by a puff sensor, thereby preventing an insertion event or a removal event of a stick from being erroneously detected by an external factor.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an insertion event or a removal event of a stick can be prevented from being erroneously detected by an external factor based on a temperature change of a heater detected by a temperature sensor.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, power supplied to a heater can be controlled based on whether or not a stick detection sensor detects a fault, thereby preventing unnecessary operation or stoppage of the heater and preventing a failure of the device.

[0016] Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figures 2 to 4 illustrate an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a stick insertion decision and decision cancellation control of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 6 illustrates signals output from a stick detection sensor and a puff sensor in relation to insertion or removal of a stick.

[0021] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the direction of airflow generated in the insertion space when a puff occurs.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a stick insertion decision and decision cancellation control of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 9 illustrates signals output from a stick detection sensor and a temperature sensor in relation to insertion or removal of a stick.

[0024] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of a droplet in an insertion space.

[0025] Figures 11 to 13 illustrate signals output from a stick detection sensor and a temperature sensor in relation to insertion or removal of a stick.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing numbers may be used for similar or related components.

[0027] The suffixes "module" and "unit" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A "module" or "unit" may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0028] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0030] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0031] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0033] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0034]

[0035] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0037] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0038] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may function as a temperature sensor. As an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance to the heater (18). The impedance to the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or the induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance to the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0039] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0040] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0041] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to one surface of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) can include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the power protection circuit.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0043] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0044] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0045] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user puffs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating product is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0046] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit (12) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0047] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a capacitive sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, and thus, the permittivity within the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0048] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0049] In one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating item. The insertion detection sensor can be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0050] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed within the insertion space, the permittivity around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0051] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0052] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressure by an aerosol-generating article.

[0053] In one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a color change may occur in a portion of a wrapper surrounding the exterior of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. If a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is over-humidified. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is over-humidified based on the level of a signal corresponding to a permittivity or the like output from the capacitive sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

[0055] In one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol generating article is genuine and / or detect the type of aerosol generating article.

[0056] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light in a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

[0057] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant within the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating product based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant within the insertion space output from the capacitive sensor.

[0058] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or the interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space may differ depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0059] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the authenticity of an aerosol-generating product and / or the type of aerosol-generating product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0060] In one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0061] In one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) can include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18, 24), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display can include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heaters (18, 24) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be powered by the power source (11) to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0067] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material, such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electrically resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0068] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0069] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) can include a touch panel, a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). For example, the memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The control unit (12) can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in such an MCU. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the control unit (12) can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, a power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power source (11).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18, 24) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on the power profile. The control unit (12) can also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff is generated, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0080] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or to stop supplying power to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using (e.g., discharging) the power stored in the power source (11). The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can also determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (18, 24).

[0085] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article has been reused. For example, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can control to stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or prevent power from being supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is available for use. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (17). Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (18, 24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (12) can also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0090] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol generating article is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (12) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generating device (1) is about to be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), and the like.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1) when authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link. For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, whether the user has completed authentication, etc.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to an external device via a communication link (e.g., remaining capacity of the power source (11), operating mode, etc.). The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0096] According to one embodiment, when a request for location search of the aerosol generating device (1) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibration or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may transmit data on the sensed values ​​of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensed values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) may perform an operation of determining a user's suction pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc., using the learning model received from the server.

[0099] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0100] The aerosol generating article referred to in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater (18) may be arranged to correspond to the at least one aerosol generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and / or an organic acid, and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol-generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as cut tobacco, granules, powder, etc. In one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline material. Based on the alkaline material, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at low temperatures. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, and the two or more aerosol-generating rods may each include a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0101] The cartridge referred to in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of the following states: a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage unit containing the aerosol-generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol-generating device (1) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0102]

[0103] Figures 2 to 4 illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space that is opened upwardly to allow an aerosol-generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space that is opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be longer than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (2) containing an aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10). A user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0107] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater may extend upwardly in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internally heated heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as illustrated, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internally heated heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0110] For example, an electric resistance heater may include an electric resistance material on the inside (e.g., an inner hollow portion or inner surface) or the outside (e.g., an outer surface), and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistance material. In this case, the electric resistance heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11), and may directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11). In addition, the induction coil (181) may be omitted.

[0111] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the internal heating type heater (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may be further included on the outside of the induction coil (181) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (181). According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (182). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed (or included) within the aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., the medium portion), and the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0114] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0115] In one embodiment, the external heating heater may extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. For example, the external heating heater may have a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The external heating heater may also have a shape having a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the external heating heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the external heating heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and a description overlapping with FIG. 2 will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating heater implemented as a tubular susceptor, and may include an induction coil (181) surrounding at least a portion of the external heating heater (e.g., disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, when the external heating heater is an electric resistance heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted since heat generation is possible through current flow on a tubular electric resistance heater (e.g., a film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be disposed on the outside of the external heating heater. Through this, heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) may be reduced.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, respectively. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of one heater (183), respectively.

[0118] Unlike as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the heater (182) of FIG. 2 and the heater (183) of FIG. 3 may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air can be introduced from the outside into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0120]

[0121] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (183, 24) (e.g., the heater (18, 24) of FIG. 1). However, those skilled in the art will understand that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 4, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide an upper-open space (hereinafter, referred to as an insertion space) into which an aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10).

[0123] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge (19) may provide an insertion space for accommodating the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the cartridge (19) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the cartridge (19), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude outside the cartridge (19). Furthermore, in this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183).

[0124] In one embodiment, the depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the region containing the aerosol-generating material and / or medium in the aerosol-generating article (2). The user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale air.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (183) can extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the heater (183) can be in the form of a tube (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The heater (183) can have a shape including a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the heater (183) can be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The heater (183) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (183) can heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space. In the present disclosure, the heater (183) may be referred to as an external heating type heater that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the heater (183). Through this, the heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) can be reduced.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0127] For example, an electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as current flows through the electrically resistive material. In this case, the electrical resistance heater can be electrically connected to a power source (11) and can directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0128] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) that surrounds at least a portion of the heater (183) (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater (183). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may further be included on the outside of the induction coil (not shown) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (183). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0130] Unlike the drawing, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183). The aerosol generating article (2) may be heated directly or indirectly by the cartridge heater (24), or may not be substantially heated. Indirect heating may mean that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol during the process in which the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) passes through the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may be referred to as a non-heating (or indirect heating) aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating rod of the aerosol generating article (2) may include an additive such as a basic substance. Based on this basic substance, the nicotine contained in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). This basic nicotine can flow into the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol flowing into the aerosol generating article (2) from the cartridge (19) described below.

[0131] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the heater (183) may include an internal heating heater. For example, the internal heating heater may include various heating elements, such as a rod-shaped or tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, or a needle-shaped heating element. The internal heating heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2) and may be configured to heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may be detachably coupled to the housing (10). For example, a space may be formed on one side of the housing (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) may be inserted into the space formed on one side of the housing (10) so that the cartridge (19) may be mounted on the housing (10). Alternatively, the cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the housing (10).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) and / or the cartridge (19) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure through which air can be introduced from the outside into the interior of the housing (10) when the cartridge (19) is inserted. The introduced air can pass through the cartridge (19) and enter the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN) and flow into the user's oral cavity. The airflow channel (CN) may include various structures to reduce residual droplets or facilitate airflow.

[0134] In FIG. 4, the cartridge (19) is positioned laterally relative to the aerosol-generating article (2), and the airflow channel (CN) is formed from the side of the aerosol-generating article (2) to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2), but the positions of the cartridge (19) and the airflow channel (CN) are not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge (19) may be positioned adjacent to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2), in which case the airflow channel (CN) may be formed in a substantially straight shape so as to connect the cartridge (19) and the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may include a reservoir (C0) containing an aerosol generating material, a cartridge heater (24), and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material. The liquid delivery means (25) may impregnate the aerosol generating material supplied from the reservoir (C0). For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) can heat the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19). For example, the cartridge heater (24) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0137] For example, an electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as a current flows through the electrically resistive material. As another example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heating type heater. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater (24) may be formed in a coil shape that surrounds (or winds) a liquid delivery means and / or in a shape (e.g., a pattern shape) that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means.

[0138] Unlike the illustration, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the cartridge heater (24) may be included inside the housing (10). In this case, the cartridge (19) and the cartridge heater (24) may be separated by removing the cartridge (19).

[0139] According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on heat generation from a cartridge heater (24). For example, vapor may be generated from an aerosol generating material impregnated in a liquid delivery means as the aerosol generating material is heated by the cartridge heater (24), and an aerosol may be generated as the generated vapor is mixed with outside air introduced into the cartridge (19). The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) may be introduced into an aerosol generating article (2) through an airflow channel (CN). Tobacco or a flavoring material may be added to the aerosol as it passes through the aerosol generating article (2), and the aerosol added with tobacco or a flavoring material may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0140]

[0141] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a stick insertion decision and decision cancellation control of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 is an illustration of signals output from a stick detection sensor and a puff sensor in relation to insertion or removal of a stick, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the direction of airflow generated in an insertion space when a puff is generated.

[0142]

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the control unit (12, see FIG. 1) of the aerosol generator (1) can determine whether the stick (2) (e.g., the aerosol product (2)) is inserted into or removed from the insertion space (43) provided in the body (10) (e.g., the housing (10)). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (2) is inserted into or removed from the insertion space (43) based on a signal detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131).

[0144] The sensor unit (13, see FIG. 1) may include a stick detection sensor (131). The stick detection sensor (131) (e.g., insertion detection sensor) may detect insertion and / or removal of the stick (2). The stick detection sensor (131) may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space (43). The stick detection sensor (131) may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space (43). When the stick (2) is inserted or removed inside the insertion space (43), the permittivity around the conductor may change. The stick detection sensor (131) may be referred to as a cigarette detection sensor or an insertion detection sensor, etc.

[0145] The stick detection sensor (131) may include two sensing electrodes (1311, 1312) and an insulator (1313). The sensing electrodes (1311, 1312) may include a first electrode (1311) and a second electrode (1312).

[0146] The first electrode (1311) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43) and may extend along the perimeter of the insertion space (43). The first electrode (1311) may be bent or have a bent shape to correspond to the shape of the side surface of the insertion space (43). The first electrode (1311) may be referred to as a first antenna or a first channel.

[0147] The second electrode (1312) may have a shape corresponding to the first electrode (1311). The second electrode (1312) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43) and may extend along the perimeter of the insertion space (43). The second electrode (1312) may be spaced apart from the first electrode (1311) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43). The second electrode (1312) may surround the outer side of the first electrode (1311). The second electrode (1312) may be referred to as a second antenna or a second channel.

[0148] The first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) may be connected to a sensor driving circuit (not shown). The sensor driving circuit may be a component included in the first sensor (131), or may be provided separately from the first sensor (131) and connected to the first sensor (131). A set voltage may be applied to the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) by the sensor driving circuit. When the set voltage is applied, current may flow to the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312). The current flowing to the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) may vary depending on whether an object exists around the first sensor (1311), the type of object existing around the first sensor, etc. The difference between the current flowing in the first electrode (1311) and the current flowing in the second electrode (1312) can change in response to the type of object existing around the stick detection sensor (131).

[0149] An insulator (1313) may be placed between the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312). The insulator (1313) may have an inner surface in contact with the first electrode (1311) and an outer surface in contact with the second electrode (1312). The insulator (1313) may be bent together with the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) or may have a bent shape.

[0150] The first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) may include a metal material. For example, the first electrode (1311) and the second electrode (1312) may include copper. However, the material of the sensing electrode is not limited thereto and may include other electrically conductive metals or metal mixtures.

[0151] The insulator (1313) may include an insulating material. For example, the insulator (1313) may include polyimide. However, the material of the insulator (1313) is not limited thereto, and may include other materials having elasticity, heat resistance, and electrical insulation properties.

[0152] The stick detection sensor (131) can output a value corresponding to the current flowing in the first electrode (1311) and the current flowing in the second electrode (1312) as a signal. For example, the stick detection sensor (1311) can output a first signal corresponding to the current flowing in the first electrode (1311) and a second signal corresponding to the current flowing in the second electrode (1312), respectively. For example, the stick detection sensor (1311) can output a value corresponding to the difference between the first signal corresponding to the current flowing in the first electrode (1311) and the second signal corresponding to the current flowing in the second electrode (1312) as a signal.

[0153] The sensor unit (13) may further include at least one of a puff sensor (132) and a temperature sensor (133) in addition to the stick detection sensor (131).

[0154] The puff sensor (132) can detect the user's inhalation. The puff sensor (132) can be arranged in correspondence with the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the puff sensor (132) can be arranged adjacent to the insertion space (43). The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. The puff sensor (132) can include a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a capacitance sensor, etc., but the puff sensor (132) is not limited thereto, and can be implemented with various sensors for detecting the user's puff.

[0155] The temperature sensor (133) can detect the temperature of the heater (182). The temperature sensor (133) may be provided as a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (182), or the heater (182) itself may function as a temperature sensor. The control unit (12) may detect or determine the temperature of the heater (182) based on a signal output from the temperature sensor (113). For example, the temperature sensor (133) may output a signal corresponding to the impedance of the heater, which is correlated with the temperature of the heater (182). For example, the temperature sensor (133) may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (182), and may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element. However, the temperature sensor (133) is not limited thereto, and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting the temperature of the heater (182).

[0156] The control unit (12) can receive a signal detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131) and determine whether the stick (2) has been inserted into or removed from the insertion space (43) based on the signal (S510). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been inserted into the insertion space (43) if a positive (+) signal of a certain size or greater is output from the stick detection sensor (131) or if the difference between the first signal and the second signal output from the stick detection sensor (131) has a positive (+) value of a certain size or greater. For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been removed from the insertion space (43) if a signal of a certain size or greater is output from the stick detection sensor (131) or if the difference between the first signal and the second signal output from the stick detection sensor (131) has a negative (-) value of a certain size or greater.

[0157] The control unit (12) can receive a signal detected or output from the puff sensor (132) and determine whether a puff has been generated based on the signal (S520). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that a puff has been generated by the user if the size of the signal output from the puff sensor is greater than a preset value.

[0158] The control unit (12) can cancel the decision made in process S510 that the stick (2) has been inserted into the insertion space (43) (hereinafter, “insertion decision”) or the decision that the stick (2) has been removed from the insertion space (43) (hereinafter, “removal decision”) based on whether a puff has occurred.

[0159] The control unit (12) can cancel the insertion decision or removal decision based on the detection of the user's inhalation by the puff sensor (132) at the time when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected by the stick detection sensor (131) or within a certain time from the detection time. For example, if a signal corresponding to the user's inhalation is output from the puff sensor (132) at the same time when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected by the stick detection sensor (131), or if a signal corresponding to the user's inhalation is output from the puff sensor (132) within a relatively very short time (e.g., 0.1 second) from the time when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected by the stick detection sensor (131), the control unit (12) can cancel the insertion decision or removal decision.

[0160] Accordingly, in a normal situation where a puff is generated by the user after the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43), the decision to insert the stick (2) can be prevented from being cancelled.

[0161] If a puff occurs ("Yes" in S530), the control unit (12) can cancel the insertion or removal decision (S540). Accordingly, the event of the stick (2) being inserted or removed from the insertion space (43) can be considered not to have occurred.

[0162] If no puff occurs ("No" in S530), the control unit (12) may maintain the insertion or removal decision (S550). Accordingly, it may be considered that an event has occurred in which the stick (2) is inserted or removed from the insertion space (43).

[0163]

[0164] To help understand the control of Fig. 5, various cases in which signals are output from the stick detection sensor (131) and the puff sensor (132) in relation to the insertion or removal event of the stick (2) are illustrated in Fig. 6.

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, at a first time point (t11), a stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43). At this time, no puff is generated by the user. At the first time point (t11), a signal (S1) may be output from the stick detection sensor (131). The output signal (S1) may have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and a positive (+) sign. The control unit (12) may determine that the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43) based on the signal (S1) output from the stick detection sensor (131). In FIG. 6, one signal is exemplified as being output, but two signals may be output from the stick detection sensor (131), and the control unit (12) may determine the size of the output and whether the output is positive / negative based on the difference in the output values ​​of the two signals.

[0166] At a first time point (t11) or within a certain time from the first time point (t11), a signal (S2) may be output from the puff sensor (132), or the output signal may change. The magnitude of the change in the output signal (S2) may be smaller than a preset second value. The control unit (12) may determine that a puff has not been generated based on the signal output from the puff sensor (132).

[0167] The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been inserted based on a signal detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131), and can maintain the decision to insert the stick (2) without canceling it based further on a signal detected or output from the puff sensor (132). Accordingly, it is possible to accurately detect that an insertion event of the stick (2) has occurred.

[0168] At a second time point (t12), a puff is generated by the user. At the second time point (t12), a signal (S1) may be output from the stick detection sensor (131) regardless of the insertion / removal of the stick (2). Due to the user's puff, an airflow may be generated inside the stick (2), inside the insertion space (43), or in a space within the aerosol generating device (1) that is connected to the insertion space (43). For example, an airflow may be generated in one direction (F1, see FIG. 7) or the opposite direction (F2) along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43). Even though the stick (2) is not inserted or removed from the insertion space (43), a signal (S1) may be output from the stick detection sensor (131) disposed adjacent to the insertion space (43) due to the airflow generated by the user's puff.

[0169] The output signal (S1) at this time is a signal output by the sense of the stick detection sensor (131). The output signal (S1) may have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and a positive (+) sign. The control unit (12) may determine that the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43) based on the signal (S1) output from the stick detection sensor (131).

[0170] At a second time point (t12) or within a certain time from the second time point (t12), a signal (S2) may be output from the puff sensor (132), or the output signal may change. The magnitude of the change in the output signal (S2) may be greater than a preset second value. The control unit (12) may determine that a puff has been generated based on the signal output from the puff sensor (132).

[0171] The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been inserted based on a signal detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131), and can cancel the decision to insert the stick (2) based further on a signal detected or output from the puff sensor (132). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an erroneous determination that an insertion event of the stick (2) has occurred even though the event has not occurred.

[0172] At a third time point (t13), a puff is generated by the user. At the third time point (t13), a signal may not be output from the stick detection sensor (131). At the third time point (t13) or within a certain time from the third time point (t13), a signal (S2) may be output from the puff sensor (132), or the output signal may change. The magnitude of the change in the output signal (S2) may be greater than a preset second value. The control unit (12) may determine that a puff has been generated based on the signal output from the puff sensor (132).

[0173] At the fourth time point (t14), a puff is generated by the user. At the fourth time point (t14), a signal (S1) may be output from the stick detection sensor (131) regardless of the insertion / removal of the stick (2). The output signal (S1) at this time is a signal output by the false detection of the stick detection sensor (131) by the user's puff. The output signal (S1) may have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and a negative (-) sign. The control unit (12) may determine that the stick (2) has been removed from the insertion space (43) based on the signal (S1) output from the stick detection sensor (131).

[0174] At the fourth time point (t14) or within a certain time from the fourth time point (t14), a signal (S2) may be output from the puff sensor (132), or the output signal may change. The magnitude of the change in the output signal (S2) may be greater than a preset second value. The control unit (12) may determine that a puff has occurred based on the signal output from the puff sensor (132).

[0175] The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been removed based on a signal detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131), and can cancel the decision to remove the stick (2) based further on a signal detected or output from the puff sensor (132). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an erroneous determination that an event has occurred even though a removal event of the stick (2) has not occurred.

[0176] At a fifth time point (t15), the stick (2) is removed from the insertion space (43). At this time, no puff is generated by the user. At a fifth time point (t15), a signal (S1) may be output from the stick detection sensor (131). The output signal (S1) may have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and a negative (-) sign. The control unit (12) may determine that the stick (2) has been removed from the insertion space (43) based on the signal (S1) output from the stick detection sensor (131).

[0177] At the fifth time point (t15) or within a certain time from the fifth time point (t15), the signal (S2) may not be output from the puff sensor (132), or the output signal may not change. The control unit (12) may determine that a puff has not been generated based on the signal output from the puff sensor (132).

[0178] The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been removed based on a signal detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131), and can maintain the decision to remove the stick (2) without canceling it based further on a signal detected or output from the puff sensor (132). Accordingly, it is possible to accurately detect that a removal event of the stick (2) has occurred.

[0179] In this way, according to one embodiment, by determining whether the stick (2) is inserted or removed based on signals detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131) and the puff sensor (132), it is possible to prevent incorrectly determining that the stick (2) is inserted or removed by the user's puff even though the stick (2) is not inserted or removed, and it is possible to accurately detect whether the stick (2) is inserted or removed.

[0180]

[0181] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a stick insertion decision and decision cancellation control of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 9 is an illustration of signals being output from a stick detection sensor and a temperature sensor in relation to insertion or removal of a stick, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating movement of droplets in an insertion space, and FIGS. 11 to 13 are illustrations of signals being output from a stick detection sensor and a temperature sensor in relation to insertion or removal of a stick.

[0182]

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 13, the control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (2) is inserted into or removed from the insertion space (43) based on a signal detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131).

[0184] The control unit (12) can receive a signal detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131) and determine whether the stick (2) has been inserted into or removed from the insertion space (43) based on the signal (S810). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been inserted into the insertion space (43) if a positive (+) signal of a certain size or greater is output from the stick detection sensor (131) or if the difference between the first signal and the second signal output from the stick detection sensor (131) has a positive (+) value of a certain size or greater. For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been removed from the insertion space (43) if a signal of a certain size or greater is output from the stick detection sensor (131) or if the difference between the first signal and the second signal output from the stick detection sensor (131) has a negative (-) value of a certain size or greater.

[0185] The control unit (12) can repeatedly receive signals detected or output from the temperature sensor (133) and determine the temperature and temperature-related parameter (PM) of the heater (182) based on the signals (S820). For example, the control unit (12) can determine the temperature of the heater (182) by comparing the signal output from the temperature sensor (133) with data stored in the memory (17). The control unit (12) can store temperature values ​​of the heater (182) corresponding to multiple points in time in the memory (17) and determine the temperature-related parameter (PM) from the stored temperature values ​​of the multiple heaters (182).

[0186] The temperature-related parameter (PM) may include a first parameter (PM1) and a second parameter (PM2). The first parameter (PM1) may be a value determined by the temperature values ​​of the heater (182) before the point in time when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected by the stick detection sensor (131). The second parameter (PM2) may be a value determined by the temperature values ​​of the heater (182) after the point in time when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected by the stick detection sensor (131).

[0187] For example, the first parameter (PM1) may be the average change or average slope of the temperature of the heater (182) from the time when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected to a certain time before, and the second parameter (PM2) may be the average change or average slope of the temperature of the heater (182) from the time when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected to a certain time after. For example, the first parameter (PM1) may be the standard deviation of the temperature values ​​of the heater (182) from the time when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected to a certain time before, and the second parameter (PM2) may be the standard deviation of the temperature values ​​of the heater (182) from the time when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected to a certain time after. Here, the certain time may be determined in advance by an experiment or the like. For example, the certain time may be 5 to 15 seconds.

[0188] The control unit (12) can compare the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2). The control unit (12) can cancel the insertion decision or removal decision based on the comparison result between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2).

[0189] The control unit (12) can determine the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2). The control unit (12) can determine the ratio ((PM1-PM2) / PM1) of the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) with respect to the first parameter (PM1). The control unit (12) can compare the ratio of the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) with respect to the first parameter (PM1) with a first threshold value.

[0190] If the ratio is less than the first threshold value (“Yes” in S830), the control unit (12) may cancel the insertion or removal decision (S840). Accordingly, the event in which the stick (2) was inserted or removed from the insertion space (43) may be considered not to have occurred.

[0191] The first threshold value may be determined in advance by experiments, etc. For example, the first threshold value may be 0.05 to 0.15 (5% to 15%). The first threshold value of 0.05 may mean that the average change or standard deviation of the temperature of the heater (182) from the time when insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected to a certain point in time is 5% greater than the average change or standard deviation of the temperature of the heater (182) from the time when insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected to a certain point in time.

[0192] If the ratio is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (“No” in S830), the control unit (12) may maintain the insertion or removal decision (S850). Accordingly, it may be considered that an event has occurred in which the stick (2) is inserted or removed from the insertion space (43).

[0193]

[0194] To help understand the control of Fig. 8, various cases in which signals are output from the stick detection sensor (131) and the temperature sensor (132) in relation to the insertion event of the stick (2) are illustrated in Figs. 9 and 11.

[0195] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, from the sixth time point (t22) to the eighth time point (t23), the insertion space (43) is maintained in an empty state without a stick (2) being inserted. In this state, a signal (S1) can be output from the stick detection sensor (131) regardless of the insertion / removal of the stick (2) at the seventh time point (t21). When a droplet (D) or the like accumulated inside the insertion space (43) moves inside the insertion space (43) (see FIG. 10), a signal (S1) can be output from the stick detection sensor (131) disposed adjacent to the insertion space (43) due to the movement of the droplet (D) or the like.

[0196] The output signal (S1) at this time is a signal output by the sense of the stick detection sensor (131). The output signal (S1) may have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and a positive (+) sign. The control unit (12) may determine that the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43) based on the signal (S1) output from the stick detection sensor (131).

[0197] The control unit (12) can determine a first average change amount or a first average slope (Tp1 / P1) of the temperature of the heater (182) from the seventh time point (t21) to the sixth time point (t22) prior to a certain time (P1). The first average change amount or the first average slope corresponds to a first parameter (PM1). The control unit (12) can determine a second average change amount or a second average slope (Tp2 / P1) of the temperature of the heater (182) from the seventh time point (t21) to the eighth time point (t23) subsequent to a certain time (P1). The second average change amount or the second average slope corresponds to a second parameter (PM2).

[0198] The control unit (12) can compare the ratio of the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) with respect to the first parameter (PM1) with a first threshold value. Since the stick (2) is not inserted into the insertion space (43) from the sixth time point (t22) to the eighth time point (t23) and is maintained in an empty state, the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) may have the same or very similar values. Accordingly, the ratio of the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) with respect to the first parameter (PM1) becomes smaller than the first threshold value.

[0199] The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been inserted based on a signal detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131), and can cancel the decision to insert the stick (2) based further on a signal detected or output from the temperature sensor (133). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an erroneous determination that an insertion event of the stick (2) has occurred even though the event has not occurred.

[0200]

[0201] Referring to Fig. 11, when the stick (2) is not inserted into the insertion space (43) and is left empty, the stick (2) can be inserted into the insertion space (43) at the seventh time point (t21). At this time, a signal (S1) can be output from the stick detection sensor (131) at the seventh time point (t21).

[0202] The signal (S1) output from the stick detection sensor (131) may have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and a positive (+) sign. The control unit (12) may determine that the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43) based on the signal (S1) output from the stick detection sensor (131).

[0203] The control unit (12) can determine a first average change amount or a first average slope (Tp1 / P1) of the temperature of the heater (182) from the seventh time point (t21) to the sixth time point (t22) prior to a certain time (P1). The first average change amount or the first average slope corresponds to a first parameter (PM1). The control unit (12) can determine a second average change amount or a second average slope (Tp2 / P1) of the temperature of the heater (182) from the seventh time point (t21) to the eighth time point (t23) subsequent to a certain time (P1). The second average change amount or the second average slope corresponds to a second parameter (PM2).

[0204] The control unit (12) can compare the ratio of the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) with respect to the first parameter (PM1) with a first threshold value. Since the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43) at the seventh time point (t21), the temperature of the heater (182) can be reduced more quickly by the inserted stick (2) than when the stick (2) is not inserted. Therefore, the ratio of the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) with respect to the first parameter (PM1) becomes greater than the first threshold value.

[0205] The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been inserted based on a signal detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131), and can maintain the decision to insert the stick (2) without canceling it based further on a signal detected or output from the temperature sensor (133). Accordingly, it is possible to accurately detect that an insertion event of the stick (2) has occurred.

[0206]

[0207] To help understand the control of Fig. 8, various cases in which signals are output from the stick detection sensor (131) and the temperature sensor (132) in relation to the removal event of the stick (2) are illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13.

[0208] Referring to Fig. 12, the stick (2) is maintained in an inserted state in the insertion space (43) from the 6th time point (t22) to the 8th time point (t23). In this state, a signal (S1) may be output from the stick detection sensor (131) regardless of the insertion / removal of the stick (2) at the 7th time point (t21). When a droplet (D) accumulated inside the insertion space (43) moves inside the insertion space (43) or when a user turns the inserted stick (2) inside the insertion space (43), a signal (S1) may be output from the stick detection sensor (131) disposed adjacent to the insertion space (43).

[0209] The output signal (S1) at this time is a signal output by the detection of the stick detection sensor (131). The output signal (S1) may have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and a negative (-) sign. The control unit (12) may determine that the stick (2) has been removed from the insertion space (43) based on the signal (S1) output from the stick detection sensor (131).

[0210] The control unit (12) can determine a first average change amount or a first average slope (Tp1 / P1) of the temperature of the heater (182) from the seventh time point (t21) to the sixth time point (t22) prior to a certain time (P1). The first average change amount or the first average slope corresponds to a first parameter (PM1). The control unit (12) can determine a second average change amount or a second average slope (Tp2 / P1) of the temperature of the heater (182) from the seventh time point (t21) to the eighth time point (t23) subsequent to a certain time (P1). The second average change amount or the second average slope corresponds to a second parameter (PM2).

[0211] The control unit (12) can compare the ratio of the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) with respect to the first parameter (PM1) with a first threshold value. Since the stick (2) is maintained in the inserted state in the insertion space (43) from the sixth time point (t22) to the eighth time point (t23), the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) may have the same or very similar values. Accordingly, the ratio of the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) with respect to the first parameter (PM1) becomes smaller than the first threshold value.

[0212] The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been removed based on a signal detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131), and can cancel the decision to remove the stick (2) based further on a signal detected or output from the temperature sensor (133). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an erroneous determination that an event has occurred even though a removal event of the stick (2) has not occurred.

[0213]

[0214] Referring to Fig. 13, when the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43), the stick (2) can be removed from the insertion space (43) at the seventh time point (t21). At this time, a signal (S1) can be output from the stick detection sensor (131) at the seventh time point (t21).

[0215] The signal (S1) output from the stick detection sensor (131) may have an absolute value greater than a preset first value and a negative (-) sign. The control unit (12) may determine that the stick (2) has been removed from the insertion space (43) based on the signal (S1) output from the stick detection sensor (131).

[0216] The control unit (12) can determine a first average change amount or a first average slope (Tp1 / P1) of the temperature of the heater (182) from the seventh time point (t21) to the sixth time point (t22) prior to a certain time (P1). The first average change amount or the first average slope corresponds to a first parameter (PM1). The control unit (12) can determine a second average change amount or a second average slope (Tp2 / P1) of the temperature of the heater (182) from the seventh time point (t21) to the eighth time point (t23) subsequent to a certain time (P1). The second average change amount or the second average slope corresponds to a second parameter (PM2).

[0217] The control unit (12) can compare the ratio of the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) with respect to the first parameter (PM1) with a first threshold value. Since the stick (2) is removed from the insertion space (43) at the seventh time point (t21), the temperature of the heater (182) can decrease more quickly than when the stick (2) is inserted. Accordingly, the ratio of the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) with respect to the first parameter (PM1) becomes greater than the first threshold value.

[0218] The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (2) has been removed based on a signal detected or output from the stick detection sensor (131), and can maintain the decision to remove the stick (2) without canceling it based further on a signal detected or output from the temperature sensor (133). Accordingly, it is possible to accurately detect that a removal event of the stick (2) has occurred.

[0219]

[0220] Referring back to FIG. 8, the control unit (12) can perform an operation of canceling the insertion or removal decision of the stick (2) based on the signal output from the temperature sensor (133) only when the temperature of the heater (182) is greater than the second threshold value. That is, in process S820, the control unit (12) can compare the temperature of the heater (182) with the second threshold value, and compare the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) based on the temperature of the heater (18) being greater than the second threshold value.

[0221] When the heater (182) in the aerosol generator (1) is not heated and is left unused for a certain period of time, the temperature of the heater (182) may be the same as or similar to the temperature around or outside the aerosol generator (1). In this case, even if the stick (2) is inserted or removed from the insertion space (43), the temperature of the heater (182) may hardly change.

[0222] Accordingly, the control to cancel or maintain the decision to insert or remove the stick (2) based on the signal output from the temperature sensor (133) can be performed by the control unit (12) in a state where the temperature is decreasing after the heater (182) is heated. The second threshold value can be determined as a temperature between the temperature at which the heater (182) heats the aerosol production material to generate the aerosol (e.g., 300 to 400 degrees Celsius) and room temperature (e.g., 10 to 30 degrees Celsius). For example, the second threshold value can be 40 to 60 degrees Celsius.

[0223]

[0224] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 8, when the decision to insert the stick (2) is canceled (S540, S840), the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) in response to the cancellation of the decision. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power source (11) to cut off the power supply to the heater (18) based on the cancellation of the decision to insert the stick (2).

[0225] Accordingly, even if the stick (2) is not inserted into the insertion space (43), the heater (182) can be prevented from being heated unnecessarily, and the heater (182) or the aerosol generator (1) can be prevented from being broken down due to overheating of the heater (182) or the aerosol generator (1).

[0226] When the decision to remove the stick (2) is canceled (S540, S840), the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) in response to the cancellation of the decision. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power source (11) to supply power to the heater (18) based on the cancellation of the decision to remove the stick (2).

[0227] Accordingly, even if the stick (2) is not removed from the insertion space (43), the heating of the heater (182) can be prevented from being unnecessarily stopped, and a situation in which the user cannot inhale the aerosol can be prevented.

[0228]

[0229] Meanwhile, the control unit (12) may store information regarding the insertion decision and information regarding the removal decision in the memory (17) when it determines that the stick (2) has been inserted or removed. When the control unit (12) cancels the insertion decision or removal decision of the stick (2), it may delete the corresponding insertion decision information or removal decision information stored in the memory (17). Accordingly, the memory (17) may store insertion decision information for which the decision has not been canceled after the insertion decision has been made, and removal decision information for which the decision has not been canceled after the removal decision has been made, in chronological order.

[0230] When the control unit (12) cancels the insertion decision of the stick (2) (S540, S840), it can check the insertion decision information or removal decision information of the closest point in time or the previous point in time stored in the memory (17).

[0231] If the information of the closest point in time or the previous point in time is insertion decision information, the control unit (12) can control the power supply (11) based on canceling the insertion decision of the stick (2) to maintain power supply to the heater (18). If the information of the closest point in time or the previous point in time is insertion decision information, since the stick detection sensor (131) has falsely detected that the stick (2) has been inserted while the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43), the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generator (1) to operate normally by maintaining power supply to the heater (18).

[0232] If the information at the closest point in time or the previous point in time is removal decision information, the control unit (12) can control the power supply (11) to block the power supply to the heater (18) based on canceling the insertion decision of the stick (2). If the information at the closest point in time or the previous point in time is removal decision information, since the stick detection sensor (131) has falsely detected that the stick (2) has been inserted while the stick (2) has been removed from the insertion space (43), the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generator (1) to operate normally by blocking the power supply to the heater (18).

[0233] When the control unit (12) cancels the decision to remove the stick (2) (S540, S840), it can check the insertion decision information or removal decision information of the point in time closest to the current point in time or the point in time immediately before, stored in the memory (17).

[0234] If the information of the closest point in time or the previous point in time is insertion decision information, the control unit (12) can control the power supply (11) based on canceling the decision to remove the stick (2) so that power is supplied to the heater (18). If the information of the closest point in time or the previous point in time is insertion decision information, since the stick detection sensor (131) has falsely detected that the stick (2) has been removed while the stick (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43), the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generator (1) to operate normally by maintaining power supply to the heater (18).

[0235] If the information at the closest point in time or the previous point in time is removal decision information, the control unit (12) can control the power supply (11) to block the power supply to the heater (18) based on canceling the removal decision of the stick (2). If the information at the closest point in time or the previous point in time is removal decision information, since the stick detection sensor (131) has falsely detected that the stick (2) has been removed while the stick (2) has been removed from the insertion space (43), the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generator (1) to operate normally by blocking the power supply to the heater (18).

[0236]

[0237] In FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, an embodiment is shown in which the control unit (12) cancels the decision to insert or remove the stick (2) based on the signal output from the puff sensor (132) or the temperature sensor (133), but the control unit (12) can cancel the decision to insert or remove the stick (2) based on the signal output from the puff sensor (132) and the temperature sensor (133).

[0238] For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (2) has been inserted into or removed from the insertion space (43) based on a signal detected by the stick detection sensor (131). The control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated based on a signal detected or output from the puff sensor (132), and compare the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) regarding the temperature of the heater (182) based on a signal detected or output from the temperature sensor (133), and can cancel the insertion decision or the removal decision if a puff has been generated or if the ratio of the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) with respect to the first parameter (PM1) is less than a first threshold value.

[0239] For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (2) has been inserted into or removed from the insertion space (43) based on a signal detected by the stick detection sensor (131). The control unit (12) can determine the temperature of the heater (182) based on a signal detected or output from the temperature sensor (133), and if the temperature of the heater (182) is less than or equal to a second threshold value, can cancel the insertion decision or removal decision based on whether a puff has occurred, and if the temperature of the heater (182) is greater than the second threshold value, can cancel the insertion decision or removal decision based on a comparison result of the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2).

[0240]

[0241] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately detect insertion and removal events of a stick by determining whether a stick detection sensor malfunctions based on a signal detected by a sensor other than the stick detection sensor.

[0242] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a decision based on a detection result of a stick detection sensor can be canceled based on a user's puff detected by a puff sensor, thereby preventing an insertion event or a removal event of a stick from being erroneously detected by an external factor.

[0243] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an insertion event or a removal event of a stick can be prevented from being erroneously detected by an external factor based on a temperature change of a heater detected by a temperature sensor.

[0244] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, power supplied to a heater can be controlled based on whether or not a stick detection sensor detects a fault, thereby preventing unnecessary operation or stoppage of the heater and preventing a failure of the device.

[0245]

[0246] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a body (10) providing an insertion space (43) in which a stick (2) is received; a heater (18) for heating the stick (2); a stick detection sensor (131) disposed adjacent to the insertion space (43); a puff sensor (132) for detecting inhalation; a temperature sensor (133) for detecting the temperature of the heater (18); and a control unit (12) for determining whether the stick (2) is inserted into or removed from the insertion space (43), wherein the control unit (12) determines whether the stick (2) is inserted into or removed from the insertion space (43) based on a signal detected by the stick detection sensor (131), and can cancel the insertion decision or the removal decision based on at least one of a signal detected by the puff sensor (132) and a signal detected by the temperature sensor (133).

[0247] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected by the stick detection sensor (131), the control unit (12) can determine whether the user's inhalation is detected by the puff sensor (132), and can cancel the insertion decision or the removal decision based on the user's inhalation being detected by the puff sensor (132).

[0248] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can cancel the insertion decision or the removal decision based on the user's inhalation being detected by the puff sensor (132) at the time when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected by the stick detection sensor (131) or within a predetermined time from the time.

[0249] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) repeatedly receives a signal detected by the temperature sensor (133) to determine the temperature of the heater (18), and when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected by the stick detection sensor (131), determines that the stick (2) has been inserted or removed, compares a first parameter (PM1) regarding the temperature of the heater (18) before the time when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected by the stick detection sensor (131) with a second parameter (PM2) regarding the temperature of the heater (18) after the time when the insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected, and based on the comparison result of the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2), cancels the insertion decision or the removal decision.

[0250] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can compare the ratio of the difference between the first parameter (PM1) and the second parameter (PM2) with respect to the first parameter (PM1) with a first threshold value, and cancel the insertion decision or the removal decision based on the ratio being smaller than the first threshold value.

[0251] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first threshold value may be 5 to 15%.

[0252] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first parameter (PM1) may be an average change in temperature of the heater (18) from a time when insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected to a predetermined time before, and the second parameter (PM2) may be an average change in temperature of the heater (18) from a time when insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected to a predetermined time after.

[0253] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first parameter (PM1) may be a standard deviation of the temperature of the heater (18) from a time when insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected to a predetermined time before, and the second parameter (PM2) may be a standard deviation of the temperature of the heater (18) from a time when insertion or removal of the stick (2) is detected to a predetermined time after.

[0254] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined time may be 5 to 15 seconds.

[0255] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit (12) can compare the temperature of the heater (18) with a second threshold value, and compare the first parameter (PM1) with the second parameter (PM2) based on the temperature of the heater (18) being greater than the second threshold value.

[0256] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second threshold value may be 40 to 60 degrees.

[0257] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater (18) includes a power source (11) that supplies power, and the control unit (12) can control the power source (11) to block the supply of power to the heater (18) based on canceling the insertion decision.

[0258] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater (18) includes a power source (11) that supplies power, and the control unit (12) can control the power source (11) to supply power to the heater (18) based on canceling the removal decision.

[0259] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the stick detection sensor (131) may include a capacitance sensor.

[0260]

[0261] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0262] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0263] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A body that provides an insertion space in which a stick is accommodated; A heater for heating the above stick; A stick detection sensor positioned adjacent to the above insertion space; Puff sensor to detect inhalation; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater; and A control unit for determining whether the stick is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, The above control unit, Based on the signal detected by the stick detection sensor, it is determined whether the stick is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, An aerosol generating device that cancels the insertion decision or the removal decision based on at least one of a signal detected by the puff sensor and a signal detected by the temperature sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, When the stick detection sensor detects insertion or removal of the stick, the puff sensor determines whether the user's inhalation is detected, An aerosol generating device that cancels the insertion decision or the removal decision based on the user's inhalation being detected by the puff sensor.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that cancels the insertion decision or the removal decision based on the user's inhalation being detected by the puff sensor at a time when the insertion or removal of the stick is detected by the stick detection sensor or within a predetermined time from the time.

4. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, By repeatedly receiving the signal detected by the above temperature sensor, the temperature of the heater is determined, When the stick detection sensor detects insertion or removal of the stick, it is determined that the stick has been inserted or removed. Comparing a first parameter regarding the temperature of the heater before the point in time when the insertion or removal of the stick is detected by the stick detection sensor and a second parameter regarding the temperature of the heater after the point in time when the insertion or removal of the stick is detected, An aerosol generating device that cancels the insertion decision or the removal decision based on the comparison result of the first parameter and the second parameter.

5. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, Compare the ratio of the difference between the first parameter and the second parameter with the first threshold value, An aerosol generating device that cancels the insertion decision or the removal decision based on the ratio being less than the first threshold value.

6. In paragraph 5, The above first threshold is, An aerosol generating device having a concentration of 5 to 15%.

7. In paragraph 4, The first parameter is the average change in temperature of the heater from the time when insertion or removal of the stick is detected to a predetermined time before, The second parameter is an aerosol generating device which is an average change in temperature of the heater from the time when insertion or removal of the stick is detected to a predetermined time later.

8. In paragraph 4, The first parameter is the standard deviation of the temperature of the heater from the time when insertion or removal of the stick is detected to a predetermined time before, The second parameter is an aerosol generating device that is a standard deviation of the temperature of the heater from the time when insertion or removal of the stick is detected until a predetermined time has passed.

9. In paragraph 7, The above specified time is, An aerosol generating device having a duration of 5 to 15 seconds.

10. In paragraph 4, The above control unit, Compare the temperature of the above heater with a second threshold value, An aerosol generating device that compares the first parameter and the second parameter based on the temperature of the heater being greater than the second threshold value.

11. In paragraph 10, The above second threshold is, An aerosol generating device having a temperature of 40 to 60 degrees.

12. In paragraph 1, Includes a power source that supplies power to the above heater, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that controls the power supply to block power supply to the heater based on canceling the insertion decision.

13. In paragraph 1, Includes a power source that supplies power to the above heater, The above control unit, An aerosol generating device that controls the power supply to supply power to the heater based on canceling the above removal decision.

14. In paragraph 1, The above stick detection sensor, An aerosol generating device comprising a capacitance sensor.

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